Left-Turn Accidents in New York | Who Is at Fault & Injury Claims
February 9, 2026
Left-turn accidents are among the most dangerous and misunderstood crashes on New York roadways. Whether they occur at busy intersections, uncontrolled crossings, or during rush hour traffic, these collisions often result in serious injuries due to the sudden and forceful impact between vehicles.
Many drivers assume fault is automatic in left-turn crashes—but liability is not always that simple. Understanding how left-turn accidents happen, who may be responsible, and what steps to take after a crash can make a critical difference in protecting your health and legal rights.
Why Left-Turn Accidents are so Common
Left-turn accidents frequently occur because turning drivers must judge multiple factors at once, including speed, distance, traffic signals, and oncoming vehicles. Common causes include:
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Turning without a protected left-turn signal
- Distracted or impatient driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Obstructed views at intersections
Because these crashes often involve direct impact, injuries can be severe even at moderate speeds.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident
Your actions immediately after a left-turn collision can significantly affect both your recovery and your injury claim.
Get medical help right away
Even if you feel “okay,” seek medical evaluation. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma may not appear immediately.
Call the police
An official accident report is essential. Officers will document statements, roadway conditions, and initial fault observations.
Preserve evidence
If possible, document the scene by taking photos or videos of:
- Vehicle damage and final positions
- Traffic lights and signage
- Skid marks or debris
- Visible injuries
Exchange information and identify witnesses
Witness testimony can be especially important when fault is disputed in left-turn crashes.
Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident?
In many cases, the driver making the left turn is presumed responsible because New York traffic law generally requires left-turning vehicles to yield to oncoming traffic. However, liability may shift if:
- The other driver was speeding
- A traffic signal was ignored
- The oncoming driver ran a red light
- Poor road design or signage contributed to the crash
Fault may be shared, and New York’s comparative negligence laws allow injured victims to recover compensation even if they are partially responsible.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn accidents often involve high-impact side or front-end crashes, leading to injuries such as:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chest and internal organ injuries
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care.
Compensation Available for Left-Turn Accident Victims
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injured victims may pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment or disability
Insurance coverage, fault determinations, and injury severity all play a role in the value of a claim.
Key Takeaways
Fault is not always automatic
- Evidence from the scene is critical
- Witness statements can be decisive
- Comparative negligence may affect recovery
Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.
Why You Should Talk to a New York
Accident Lawyer
Even though New York is a no-fault insurance state, insurance companies often delay, limit, or deny claims—especially after serious bus accidents involving commercial carriers or public transportation. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make a critical difference. We can help you:
Properly file and manage your no-fault benefits
Challenge unfair denials or underpayments by insurers
Determine whether your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold
Pursue full compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and future medical needs
At LFK Law Practice, P.C., we help bus accident victims across New York understand their rights, navigate the no-fault system, and pursue all available sources of compensation after a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll deal with the insurance companies—so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Bottom Line
Left-turn accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries on New York roads, and determining fault is often more complex than it appears. While left-turning drivers are frequently blamed, many crashes involve shared responsibility or negligence by other parties. Seeking prompt medical care, preserving evidence, and understanding your legal options can help ensure you are treated fairly and compensated for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is usually at fault in a left-turn accident?
The left-turning driver is often presumed at fault, but liability can shift based on speeding, signal violations, or other negligent behavior by the oncoming driver. - Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility. - Are left-turn accidents considered serious crashes?
Yes. These accidents often involve high-impact collisions and can result in severe or permanent injuries. - What evidence helps prove fault in a left-turn accident?
Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage patterns, and intersection design can all play key roles. - How long do I have to file a claim in New York?
Deadlines vary depending on the parties involved. Claims against government entities may require notice within a much shorter timeframe than standard injury claims.
References (APA Format)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Motor vehicle traffic crashes.
- Federal Highway Administration. (2024). Intersection safety: Left-turn crashes.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Traffic safety facts: Crashes at intersections.
- New York State Department of Transportation. (2024). Traffic safety and crash data.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2024). Intersection crash statistics.
